Thursday, April 18, 2013

Saffron Supplements – Nutrient Packed supplement for Losing Weight

Saffron
Supplements – Nutrient Packed supplement for Losing Weight

Saffron has been a
popular and well traded spice for three centuries. It has been used as
seasoning, as a fragrance, a fabric and cosmetic dye and as medicinal remedy
for certain ailments. Its capacity to help weight loss management has only been
recently discovered but it is quite timely.

Saffron is rich in a
number of nutrients and while only used in recipes as spice, it adds to the
nutritional value of the food being prepared and served. The following is a list of nutrients and its
value per 100 grams of Saffron.

Nutrient Nutrient
Value Percentage of RDA

Energy 310 Kcal 15.5%

Carbohydrates 65.37 g 50%

Protein 11.43g 21%

Total Fat 5.85g 29%

Dietary Fiber 3.9g 10%

Folates 93µg 23%

Niacin 1.46mg 9%

Pyridoxine 1.010mg 77%

Riboflavin 0.267mg 20%

Vitamin A 530 IU 18%

Vitamin C 80.8mg 135%

Sodium 148mg 10%

Potassium 1724mg 37%

Calcium 111mg 11%

Copper .328mg 37%

Iron 11.10mg 139%

Magnesium 264 mg 66%

Manganese 28.408mg 1235%

Phosphorus 252mg 36%

Selenium 5.6µg 10%

Zinc 1.09 mg 10%

For a spice, saffron
sure packs a lot of health benefits. As
for the weight loss benefit in the
list, the credit goes to potassium. Potassium helps build muscles in our body,
thus making us stronger and more receptive to vigorous activities such as
working out or doing normal house chores.
If you are already in a weight loss program that includes exercise,
you’ll have more energy and sustainability to complete daily work-outs.
Additionally, potassium is a mineral that regulates the sodium in our
body. It is estimated that Australians
consume double the amount of sodium recommended daily.

Saffron also contains
safranal which is known to have anti-depressant properties according to a study
done
in 2004. Another study in 2010, saffron extract was also
tested on mildly overweight individuals to determine whether it has the
capacity to suppress compulsive or stress eating. The results were significant at 84% decrease
in cravings for patients who took them. The placebo group had a decrease of
only 54%.

Saffron’s recommended
dosage of 88.25mg is enough to keep the appetite at a minimum and cravings for
carbohydrate rich foods are kept low. Saffron
8825 is an Australian made
saffron extract that is guaranteed to contain all the benefits of saffron. Daily dosage increases over-all feeling of
wellness, normal appetite and increased energy levels in order to perform
activities that promote metabolism (fat-burning activities).